Usher

After headlining the 31-date Voice tour that wraps August 2, Kaufman will start recording his major-label debut album. Not bad for a guy who was performing solo at Potbelly on Monument Circle earlier this year.

Via @PetethePlanner: “Weird day in Indy. The city got 3rd for #SuperBowl2018. The Pacers got 2nd in their playoff game. And @iamjoshkaufman got 1st on The Voice.”

What makes his victory so refreshing is the fact that the best vocalist on the show actually prevailed.

Hoosiers statewide are presumably inclined to pull for Kaufman, and the truth of the matter is this: He is the best vocalist on the show.

This is the most important night of Kaufman’s professional career, and he’s earned it.

Coach Usher picked “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, which was an excellent decision matched with perfect timing. America finally saw a comfortable Josh Kaufman meander about the stage as if it’s where he belongs—and it is.

The five remaining contestants will each perform two songs live for America with hopes of seizing a coveted spot in the finals. Follow along with us!

Kaufman controlled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with pitch perfection. When he mixes gospel roots with that soulful jazz tone, it’s hard to think he won’t make the show’s Top 2.

Follow our (runaway) train of thoughts as one of Indy’s own performs for America, his sights set on seizing a spot in the program’s Top 5.

“[Usher] told me to practice in the mirror—once facing it, once in profile one way, and once in profile the other way, occasionally making eye contact with myself,” Kaufman tell IM. “It really helped me focus on connecting with the audience.”

We’re talking all things Kaufman during Monday’s live episode. Join us.

Indy’s own delivered the best overall vocal of the night. It’s belted high notes that get America’s votes, and Kaufman delivered his own with a side of Hoosier humility.

Host Carson Daly called Kaufman’s take on a Bruno Mars tune “the performance of the night.” Here’s a look at his top four foes going into the live shows.

“Whether you find it in a little jazz club, or on the street, or on a big stage, or on national television, talent is talent,” Kaufman says. “If you refuse to listen to somebody just because he or she was on a reality show, then you’re making your choice based on bad criteria.”